WALKATHON TO AID PARKINSON'S FIGHT

On an average day, podiatrist Phillip DeCubellis works on other people's feet. But on Saturday, he'll be doing a little work on his own.

For two hours on Saturday morning, the Fort Lauderdale doctor, his wife, Sharon, and their two pet dogs all will be walking at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek.

They and others will be participating in one of a series of national walkathons to fight Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's affects the nervous system and is characterized by slowly spreading tremors, muscular weakness, rigidity, slurred speech and difficulty in walking. It affects more than 1.5 million people nationally, according to Bryan McAdams, president of the South Florida chapter of the Parkinson's Disease Association.

Money raised will go to the association to help pay for research and educational efforts. "The goal is to find a cure for Parkinson's disease," said McAdams, a retired Southern Bell engineer who has the condition. He said he expects 300 to 400 people to participate in the walkathon, which has taken place at Tradewinds for the past few years.

DeCubellis said he hopes to raise $400 or more from pledges. He and other walkers will cover a one-mile path at the park, repeating it as many times as they like.

He said he developed an interest in Parkinson's through his practice. Some of his patients have problems walking as a result of their condition.

The walkathon is set for 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the park. For more information, call the American Parkinson's Disease Association at 1-800-825-APDA.